I really like the P37 web equipment & have a few sets that I regularly take out into the field, but of course the small pack is too small & the large pack is too large.  

Was wondering if anyone else does similar, and what modifications you have made to make the small pack more useful.  I’m thinking along the lines of attaching the canteen & carrier to it, or adding basic or auxiliary pouches to it, etc……

Tips, tricks & pics much appreciated.

Thanks guys!

I’ve used the old WW2 US stuff, but too many metal bits on it for scratching up a slung rifle (usually a No.5).

How about some kind of wide strap encircling the pack, using the belt clips of Universal pouches?

Rig it above the existing side buckles so it can't slip off?

 The most commonly replicated order for reenacting is Fighting order which generally consists of the Small pack, two "L" straps, A right and Left set of braces, a skeleton carrier for your Mess kit, a canteen in either a canteen carrier or skeleton carrier, a pick/mattock, either the issued one in its carrier or more commonly a large D handled spade tucked in the braces somewhere, bayonet and scabbard, belt, and two Universal pouches.  Quite often your rolled up rain slicker or gas cape was tucked under the flap of the small pack and your enameled cup hanging outside the pack on one its straps.  You can also add a wire cutter in its carrier, a utility knife hanging from its strap, extra canteens, and extra universal pouches that hang from their own straps on one side of your body.  A wound dressing was quite often worn under the camouflage netting of the helmet.  depending upon expected action you might be issued grenades, Gammon bombs, and spare bandoliers of ammunition in chargers.

If you want to avoid stitching how about punching a few holes & using Grommets or lace eyes to stop fraying?

I'm thinking about 4 holes slightly wider apart & distanced a little more vertically than the "belt hooks", on the Universal Pouches.

Its a variation on what US troops did to the ALICE system because  the ALICE clips were uncomfortable.

Once punched & grommets fitted, simply "lace up" the hooks to the holes with a couple of turns of paracord & then just tie off the ends securely to each other inside the pack?

The leg strap from a drop-leg tanker holster fits the belt fittings on a basic pouch, 2 of them would go around the small pack just fine.  A single brace across the top of the small pack to secure the tops of the basic pouches & tie into the small pack’s fittings as well.  

Since things tend to slip & need to be doubled-up in the fittings, the extra length of the brace straps will make a loop on each side that the 2 holster leg straps can go through.  

In theory, I don’t have a second leg strap, nor one to spare, but I’m mocking it up right now…..

I already had the tanker holster out trying to figure out the way to make it a shoulder rig, like the Lofoten Raid picture.  So it all kinda clicked.

I do have complete sets, but as usually happens with collecting web gear, I have excess of enough things to make kit for actual field use.  I consider P37 gear to be pretty versatile, which is why I like to use it.  Probably improper of me to post in the reenacting section, as this is more about adapting said equipment for more practical purposes in the modern age.  Kinda based off of photos of soldiers modifying things for specialist purposes, but also seeing what you guys may have found or done through your own use of the equipment.

i forgot i have one newer pattern small pack as well that has 762 in it , i think its P51 version 

Photo upload test:

Shows up as a broken link.

The photo is of Pte. W. Slack of No.9 Commando at Anzio, January 1944.  He wears his leather jerkin under the blouse. 

Something still "off" though.

The collar & breast pockets are all wrong.

Battledress blouses buttoned to the waist of battledress trousers. That isn't going to happen with whatever that top half is.

Agreed.  I scoured David Gordon's book, "UNIFORMS of the WWII Tommy" looking for his shirt/blouse to no avail.  I imagine Commandos had some leeway in their dress while in theater and this might have been some sort of private purchase possibly.